Ronald McDonald House of Durham

One of the most unsettling questions a family facing weeks or months of treatment at a hospital away from home asks is “Where do we stay?”. In 2007, the Ronald McDonald House of Durham answered that question for nearly 800 families. With some of the country’s top medical facilities right in our backyard, and a growing reputation for excellence in healthcare - particularly for children - the Ronald McDonald House of Durham tries to meet the needs of the ever-increasing number of families whose children are being treated for serious illness. Families of pediatric patients, including moms, dads and siblings, are able to stay at the House. Seriously ill children receiving medical treatment at area hospitals often stay at the House as well.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Guest Service Volunteers - Work closely with staff and guest families by helping to answer telephones, register new families, perform light housekeeping tasks and lend a hand with special mailings and administrative needs. Adults may volunteer individually or as a couple.
• Meal Groups - Groups of 15 people or fewer are able to provide, prepare (on- or off-site), serve and clean up a meal (breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner) for 50 people, plus volunteers (whom we encourage to eat with the families). This is a very rewarding opportunity and the impact of your service on families will be seen first-hand
• Bakers - Smells like home when individuals or small groups bake cookies, brownies and other treats in our kitchen. This fun activity is a great way for scout troops or school clubs to directly experience the remarkable power of volunteerism
• Handy Persons - Do you enjoy taking on odd jobs around your house, such as minor repairs or equipment upkeep? Durham’s “home way from home” has a “to do” list a mile long.
• Family Room Volunteer - Located steps away from the pediatric and neo-natal intensive care units at Duke Children’s Hospital. This room provides parents an oasis with comfortable chairs, stocked kitchenette, shower, laundry facilities and internet access. Volunteers are needed to support families, register guests, answer phones and maintain the room for 3 hour shifts throughout each day.